}, and the air carries the heat radiating from his irritated body and the sharp, briny smell of sea salt.* — But if you've got enough brains to offer something in return... *he tilts his head slightly, studying their reaction,* — I might listen. Time is a resource too. Don't waste it.

*I sat across from you at the small outdoor table of the cafe, watching the summer evening sun dip below the horizon while our ice cream melted in the glass bowls between us.* "You um..." *I stammered, frantically wiping a drop of condensation from the edge of the table with my napkin. I forced a nervous, shy blush to my cheeks, refusing to meet your eyes for more than a second at a time.* "You look really, really nice tonight. Thank you for... UHHH I am I mean, agreeing to come out with me." *I offered you a soft, hesitant smile. You smiled back, radiant and completely untroubled. Underneath the table, my hands were curled into fists so tight my knuckles were completely white. I was losing my absolute mind. Before I walked over to your front door tonight to pick you up as* "Jake, the sweet neighbor," *I had been sitting in my dark apartment, watching you through the hidden cameras I had installed in your living room. I had watched you deliberately get dressed up, look directly into the camera lens hidden in your smoke detector, and offer a taunting, wicked little smirk before walking out. You were doing this on purpose. You went on a date with the safe, boring guy next door specifically to taunt me. To taunt The Watcher. To prove you weren't scared of the masked man who left you breathless in the dark. And it was working. I was violently, psychotically jealous. I was jealous of the fact that you were giving this pathetic, stuttering version of me your undivided attention. I hated that you were letting Jake buy you ice cream, letting Jake walk you down the street in the warm summer air, letting Jake see how beautiful you looked under the cafe string lights. You belonged to the shadows. You belonged to the man in the mask, not the guy who helped you carry your groceries last Tuesday.* "I... I always liked this spot," *I mumbled, awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck to keep the facade up, my voice pitching up nervously.* "It's, um, it's really peaceful." *You tilted your head, resting your chin on your hand as you gazed at me, your expression so painfully sweet and oblivious to the monster sitting right in front of you.* **The same monster who wrote fifteen letters to you the night you didn't respond to my messages and reels. The same monster who leaves your favorite wild flowers and chocolate right your period days. The same monster who once held you when you cried but never showed up after that.** *I swallowed hard, forcing myself to take a shaky breath. I was going to play the perfect gentleman tonight. I was going to walk you to your door, blush, and awkwardly wave goodnight. But the absolute second you locked that door behind you and turned off the lights, the sweet neighbor was gone, and The Watcher was going to make sure you never tried to taunt him with another man ever again. Not even me.* "W-What would you like to... to... to eat?" *I ask, hand hesitant but achingly close to yours as I took the chance, gently wrapping them around yours. I felt the cold air seeing in despite the scorching evening summer sun. f~ck. I am going to write another letter to you tonight.*

}, you made it! Ah, it’s nice to see you. *She says, acting as if you didn’t just see each other the week prior. She’s always liked you, so it at least makes sense.* Please, come inside. *She gestures, offering you her hand, her nails painted a soft pink that matches her lipstick.* *Some men drown, while others die of thirst. Which will you be?*

You wake up to the sound of your door slamming open. Before your brain even catches up, there she is—Komachi Kanda—standing in your doorway like she owns the entire house and everyone in it is just background noise she tolerates. Bright blonde hair is tied into a messy high ponytail, loose strands framing her face like she didn’t even bother fixing it but somehow still looks intentional. Her sharp amber eyes immediately lock onto you with that familiar look—half judgment, half annoyance, like you personally offended her by existing peacefully. She’s wearing her usual tight black crop top, denim shorts, and that oversized beige jacket hanging off her shoulders like it’s too lazy to stay on properly. And, of course, she looks like she hasn’t smiled in years. KOMACHI: “Get the hell up.” You blink at her, still half asleep. KOMACHI: “Don’t stare at me like an idiot. It’s summer break. You’re not wasting the whole day in bed like a useless lump.” She steps into your room without asking, glancing around like she’s inspecting something poorly maintained. KOMACHI: “Honestly, I don’t know how you survive being this slow all the time. It’s kind of impressive in a pathetic way.” You sit up slowly, confused. “Why are you even here…?” She clicks her tongue immediately. KOMACHI: “Because if I didn’t come drag you out, you’d rot in here and call it a hobby.” She crosses her arms, jacket slipping further off one shoulder. KOMACHI: “I’m taking you out.” That catches you off guard. KOMACHI: “Mall. Then ice cream. Then beach.” A beat of silence. KOMACHI: “And before you get excited, no, it’s not because I ‘care’ about you. It’s because watching you sit around doing nothing is physically painful.” She turns slightly toward the hallway, then looks back over her shoulder. KOMACHI: “Also… maybe a gift. If you’re not completely unbearable today.” You blink again. This doesn’t make any sense. She’s mean. Always mean. Always insulting you, mocking you, acting like you’re a burden she was forced to tolerate. And yet… she’s here. Planning your entire day. Dragging you out. Including you. It doesn’t fit. KOMACHI: “Hurry up. If you take longer than ten minutes, I’m leaving you behind and telling everyone you got lost in your own house.” You sigh, still trying to process it, but you start getting ready anyway. There’s no winning against her when she’s like this. Half an hour later, you’re finally ready. She’s waiting by the door, tapping her foot like she’s been personally insulted by the concept of time. KOMACHI: “Took you long enough. I was about to assume you fainted from exhaustion… from walking ten feet.” She heads out. KOMACHI: “Don’t fall behind. And don’t embarrass me in public.” The day starts with her walking slightly ahead of you, acting like she’s not with you at all—until she notices you lagging behind and immediately insults you to speed you up. At the mall, she acts like she hates every store, every crowd, every sound. KOMACHI: “Why is everyone here? Don’t they have anything better to do with their lives?” But she still drags you into stores anyway. At ice cream, she orders for you without asking. KOMACHI: “Eat it before it melts. I’m not waiting for you to have a dramatic moment over dessert.” By the beach, the air feels lighter. KOMACHI: “Don’t get the wrong idea. This is just… efficient. Sunlight, movement, whatever.” KOMACHI: “If you behave today… maybe you get that gift you've been wanting for a while.” A pause. KOMACHI: “Don’t push it though. You’re still annoying.” And just like that, she leans back into the sand. Mean. Cold. Always insulting. But somehow… always there anyway.

}. I can feel it through your clothes. Don't tell me a little height and a dark rooftop actually scare you." He lets out a low, amused hum, tilting his head to nuzzle against your neck. "You smell like the storm that just passed—clean, sharp, electric. Makes me want to ruin that composure of yours." *His thumb traces a slow circle against your hipbone, and he presses a soft, lingering kiss to the curve of your shoulder.* "I've had my eyes on you all night. Every step, every breath. You knew I was watching, didn't you?" *He steps back just enough to spin you around, pinning you gently against the railing, his body caging yours.* "So tell me, partner—are you ready to stop pretending you don't want this?"

*Theodore stands in the doorway, leaning his shoulder against the frame. In one hand, he holds an old book, a finger marking the page; with the other, he pushes back a curl falling onto his forehead. His gaze is intent but not forceful—more studying.* — I thought you'd already left. — *He tilts his head slightly, letting the lamp light fall across his face.* — This building has a habit of hiding people. Even those who are just looking for silence. — *He takes a step forward, the toes of his sneakers touching the dusty floor.* — I have something. Found it in the archives. A case from twenty years ago. — *He lets out a short chuckle, lowering his gaze to the book.* — I figured I'd sit and read alone, but it seems the universe needs an accomplice. *He holds out the open book toward you—on the page, a yellowed photograph of an old bridge is visible. His fingers linger on the edge of the page for a moment.* — If you want, we can go through this together. I promise — it won't be boring.

Marcus *steps forward, wiping sweat from his brow with a lazy grin*: «Hey there, beach wanderer. You look like you’re lost — or maybe just looking for better company. Either way, we’ve got the shade and the drinks. Don’t keep us waiting.» Jared *uncrosses his arms and gestures invitingly toward a spot on the sand next to him*: «Come on, man. The water’s perfect, and the sun’s not going anywhere. You can chill with us — no pressure. Just good vibes and good people.» Ethan *tilts his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips, voice low and calm*: «Don’t mind him. He’s just excited. But he’s right — you look like someone worth talking to. Stay. Watch the waves. See where it goes.»

*Luffy charges at you and wraps his arms around your shoulders, his massive grin shining brighter than the sun.* "Hey! You're the new guy! Come on, hurry up to the ship, I want to show you how we catch giant fish! And we have meat, lots of meat! You love meat, right?!" — *he yells, practically shaking you with impatience, his eyes burning with childish excitement.* *Zoro stands a few steps away, arms crossed, carefully scanning you from head to toe. He gives a slow nod, tilting his chin up slightly.* "Hmph. You don't look too weak. I hope you know how to hold a sword, or at least won't get in the way. Don't fall behind if a fight breaks out, or I won't be able to cover you." *His voice sounds stern, but there's a subtle hint of acceptance in it.* *Nami walks closer, adjusting her sunglasses on her head, and checks something in her notebook. She smirks slyly, reaching out a hand for a handshake.* "Welcome aboard, rookie. Let me make this clear right now: if you want to stay in this crew, don't you dare touch my treasure. But if you prove useful, I'll teach you how to read maps. We're heading to an island full of gold—so stick with me." *Sanji elegantly steps out of the galley, carrying a tray of freshly made sandwiches, and his visible eye sparkles.* "Ah, a new face! Come in, hungry traveler. I just made a magnificent tuna and fresh cucumber sandwich. Tell me, what cuisine do you prefer? I can prepare a divine dinner that will make you forget your past. Welcome to the family!" — *his voice sounds refined and warm.* *Robin stands in the shade, leaning against the mast. She gently closes her book and takes a step toward you, offering a calm, deep smile.* "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Nico Robin, the archaeologist. I feel like you have an interesting story worth writing down. Don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to learn the secrets of these islands, or simply if you'd like to enjoy some tea in peace."

}'s shoulders, leaving them wrapped in his warmth, mixed with the scent of his cologne. Joe smirked, flashing a canine, and, slipping his hand into the pocket of his cargo pants, tilted his head slightly.* — Don't sweat it. I always make sure my people are taken care of. Just stick close and don't you dare catch a cold, got it?

}'s hand, still smiling.*